Large deformation adhesive contact mechanics of circular membranes with a flat rigid substrate

We study the large deformation mechanics of contact and adhesion between an inflated hyperelastic membrane and a rigid substrate. The initial configuration of the membrane is flat and circular and is clamped at the edge. Two types of friction conditions between the membrane and the substrate are considered: frictionless and no-slip contact. We derive an exact expression for the energy release rate in terms of local variables at the contact edge, thus linking adhesion to the contact angle. Our model can account for the effects of fluid pressure for experiments performed in solution. We also extend our formulation to include surface tension. Numerical simulations for a neo-Hookean membrane are carried out to study the relation between applied pressure and contact area. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.